WEDINOS

WEDINOS (an acronym for Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances) is a public health laboratory in Cardiff, Wales devoted to drug checking and epidemiological surveillance of recreational drugs and prescription drugs obtained from unsanctioned sources. It is the only fixed-site facility in the United Kingdom devoted to this task.[1][2] It was established in 2013, and is funded by Public Health Wales.[1][3]

Although based and funded in Wales, WEDINOS analyzes samples sent from anywhere in the United Kingdom.[1][4]

WEDINOS results show high levels of mis-labeling and adulteration of contributed samples of drugs.[5] As of 2025, WEDINOS data showed that 43% of supposed cannabis samples contained no plant-derived materials, with 38% containing noxious substances.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Lewis, Ffion (2024-02-08). "Inside tiny building where thousands of people send illegal drugs". Wales Online. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  2. ^ "Deadly nitazene drugs found in fake medicines". BBC News. 2024-10-29. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  3. ^ "Welsh government funds drug testing service for public". BBC News. 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  4. ^ "Philtre, April 2023 – March 2024". phw.nhs.wales.
  5. ^ "WEDINOS - Reports & Publications". www.wedinos.org. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  6. ^ Vaughan, Henry; Cheshire, Tom; Doak, Sam (13 May 2025). "The online drug trade behind QR code stickers plastered on streets across the UK". Sky News. Retrieved 2025-05-13.


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